JPS62243475A - Image processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To attain image synthesis and double-face recording with simple constitution by sending a selecting image signal from a signal switching device to an image forming device applying multiplex printing or the like to a paper sheet formed with an image. CONSTITUTION:A medium to be recorded formed once with image in response to an image signal is stored once in the inside intermediate loading section, carried again to the image forming section, the image is formed on one side or other side of the medium to be recorded by using an image forming device (b). Further, a signal switching device (c) selecting and switching an image signal input destination of the device (b) among plural devices al in response to a command signal form the image signal output devices al is provided. Then an image based on an image signal from the different devices al is formed on the same recording medium. Thus, image synthesis and double-face recording are executed by simple constitution.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention [Industrial Field of Application] The present invention is an image recording device that uses an image forming unit such as an inkjet printer or a copying machine to record data based on an image signal output from an image signal input destination such as an image reading device or a word processor. The present invention relates to an image processing system that forms a visual image on a medium.

[Prior Art] Image processing systems have been provided that form images based on image signals obtained by photoelectrically reading a document or image signals created and output from a personal computer, word processor, etc. .

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, in conventional image processing systems, there is generally a one-to-one correspondence between the image signal output section and the image forming section. Therefore, in order to obtain a composite image, a double-sided copy image, etc. based on image signals output from multiple image signal output devices with a conventional device, it is necessary to have a document memory for at least one page, which is expensive. The configuration became complicated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above-mentioned problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing system that can realize composition of a plurality of image information at a low cost with a simple configuration.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the present object, the present invention includes a plurality of image signal output devices that output image signals, and a recording material that has been subjected to image formation in accordance with the image signals. An image forming device capable of forming an image on the same side or another side of the recording material by temporarily storing the recording material in an intermediate loading section and transporting the recording material to an internal image forming section; and a signal switching device that selects and switches the image signal edge of the image forming device according to the instruction signal from the image signal output device, and forms multiple images on the same recording material based on image signals from different image signal output devices. It is characterized by

[Function] According to the present invention, there is provided an image forming device capable of performing multiple printing or double-sided printing by feeding paper on which an image has been formed once again to the image forming section, and outputting an image signal. A signal switching device installed between multiple image signal output devices selects an image signal and transmits it to the image forming device, making it possible to perform image compositing and double-sided recording at low cost with a simple configuration. can.

[Example] Hereinafter, an example of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of an embodiment of the present invention. Here, al
and aN are a plurality of image signal output devices that output image signals. b is an image forming device, in which the recording material that has been image-formed once in response to an image signal is inverted or inverted and stored once in an internal intermediate mounting section, and the recording material is again stored in the internal image-forming section. The recording material can be transported to an apparatus and an image can be formed on the same side or the other side (second side) of the recording material. Note that the recording material on which the image has been formed may be stored once, and then turned over and transported. C is a signal switching device, and image signal output device a
The image signal output device and the image forming device are connected by selecting and switching the image signal output device of the image forming device in accordance with instruction signals from l and aN.

FIG. 2 shows an example of the appearance of the embodiment of the present invention. Here, reference numeral 1 denotes a document feeding device (RF) that feeds a document onto a document reading table (platen) of a document reading device (hereinafter referred to as a reader) 2 serving as an image signal output device. The reader 2 reads and scans the image of the original through an optical system, converts it into an electrical signal for each pixel, and outputs the electrical signal. 3 is an image forming device (hereinafter referred to as "image forming device") that records an image on a recording material (recording medium) such as paper based on an input image signal.
(referred to as a printer). 4 and 5 are printer cassettes for storing recording paper, and 8 is a vapor deck for storing the same recording material. 7 is a paper transport section for double-sided copying. Reference numeral 8 denotes a collating device (hereinafter referred to as a sorter) that collates the recording sheets discharged from the printer 3. 9
is a word processor as an image signal output device having character processing and document editing functions. 10 is a signal switching device that switches the flow of signals such as image signals.

Leader 2. The printer 3 and word processor 9 are connected to a signal switching device 10 via a signal line 11. The document feeding device 1 is controlled by the reader 2, and the sorter 8 is controlled by the printer 3.

FIG. 3(^) shows an example of the internal configuration of the reader 2 shown in FIG.

As shown in this figure, a document cover 200 (or RFI
) The image information of a document 202 placed on a document table (platen) 201 is photoelectrically read by a solid-state image sensor 203 such as a CCO line sensor having a plurality of light receiving elements. Therefore, the illumination light from the light source 204 is
The reflected light is reflected on the mirror 205.20.
11 and 207, the lens 208 forms an image on the image sensor 203. The light source unit of light source 204 and mirror 205 is 2:1 with respect to mirrors 206 and 207.
move at a relative speed of Therefore, this optical unit is moved from the left to the right in the figure at a constant speed while applying PLL control by the DCC servotor 209. The moving speed is variable, for example, from 90 m+a/sec to 360 ss/sec on the outward journey depending on the image reading magnification, and is always 630 ss/sec on the return journey.

The image sensor 203 scans approximately 4 main scanning lines perpendicular to the sub-scanning direction in which the optical units 204 to 207 move.
While reading at a resolution of 0.00 dots/inch, the optical unit is moved forward from the left end to the right end, and then moved back to the left end to complete one scan. Image sensor 20
The image read by 3 is 1 which represents the black/white of the image.
Or serially as a digital signal of 0 on signal line 11
The signal is transmitted to the signal switching device IO through the signal switching device IO. Note that the analog signal read out from the image sensor 203 is converted into a digital signal (8
The conversion method for converting the code and the serial communication method are not directly related to the present invention and are well-known techniques, so detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 3(B) shows an example of the internal configuration of the printer and sorter of FIG. 2.

When the printer 3 receives a copying operation request signal from the reader 2 or the word processor 9 via the signal switching device 10, the printer 3 follows a predetermined sequence program (sequential control procedure) stored in the internal memory (not shown) of the control unit. Rotates each part of the printer and outputs various high voltages. As a result, when the predetermined preparatory operation (pre-rotation) is completed, the printer 3 is transferred to the reader 2 or word processor 9.
In response to a paper feed start signal from
Lower cassette 5, paper deck 6, double-sided intermediate tray (
Paper feed rollers 301, 30 from either of 308) described later
Paper feeding is started by 2, 303, 307.

In this embodiment, various control instructions and status information signals indicating the status of the device are encoded in, for example, 8 bits.
Signal line 11 is connected using serial communication method.

However, since this serial communication method is not directly related to the present invention and is a well-known technology, a detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

The paper fed from the designated stage is transported to the transport path and transport rollers 301.
i, 304, etc., when it reaches the registration roller 305,
Then, feeding of the paper is temporarily stopped, and the paper is re-feeded by the registration roller 305 in timing with the image position formed on the photosensitive drum 309 based on the image signal from the reader 2 or the word processor 9. In this embodiment, the printer 3 shown in the figure is a laser beam printer that emits a laser 330 based on a human-powered image signal to form a latent image on the photosensitive drum 309. The method of developing a latent image with toner using various high-pressure units 331 and 332 surrounding the 309 and the developing section 333 and the method of transferring the developed toner image onto recording paper are not directly related to the present invention and are achieved using well-known techniques. Since this can be done, detailed explanation will be omitted.

The recording paper onto which the toner image formed on the drum 309 has been transferred passes through a conveyance section 310 , the toner image is fixed by a fixing device 311 , and then passes through a deflection cam 315 .

During the first section of double-sided copying, that is, during the first image formation of copying in which images are formed on both sides of the recording paper, or during the first copying of multiple copies.
During the knotting operation, that is, during the first image formation when images are formed two or more times on one side of the recording paper, the paper is guided by the deflection cam 315 and transported in the direction of the transport section 31B. Further, during one-sided copying, the second double-sided copying, or the final multiple copying, the sheet is guided by the deflection cam 315 to the paper ejection rollers 312 and 313 and ejected from the machine. Reference numeral 314 in the figure indicates a paper stacking bin of the sorter 8, which moves up and down during a T-combining operation, etc., and sequentially stacks discharged recording paper onto designated bins.

During double-sided copying, the paper that enters the paper transport unit 7 for double-sided copying (hereinafter referred to as the double-sided transport unit) by the transport unit 318 passes over the top surface of the deflection cam 31fi, and passes through the bent transport unit 319 that reverses the paper. and are stacked on the double-sided intermediate tray 308. Further, during multiple copying, the deflecting cam 316 rotated clockwise allows the sheet to be directly dropped downward without any reversal operation, and is stacked on the double-sided intermediate tray 308. In this embodiment, the double-sided intermediate tray 308 can hold up to 50 sheets of recording paper, for example.
It shall be designed to be able to load up to 10 sheets.

Next, when feeding paper from the intermediate tray 308 to the photosensitive drum 3G'9 again, the paper feeding roller 307
Paper is fed from 08, and the fed paper is transferred to transport roller 3.
06 and 304, and registration rollers 305.
, and then stop there. The following image forming process is the same as that described above, so a detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the internal circuit configuration of the signal switching device IO of FIG. 2. Here, 401 is a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as CPU), and a read-only memory (R
The path line 408 is controlled by a control procedure (program) as shown in FIG.
Random access memory (RAM) connected on top 4
03 is used to perform various control operations. Also, CPU
401 receives instruction signals from the reader 2 and word processor 9 via serial circuits 404 and 405, outputs the instruction signals to the printer 3 via the serial circuit 406, and sends various status information of the printer 3 to the serial circuit 406. and transmits the received various status information to the reader 2 and word processor 9 via serial circuits 404 and 405.

Further, 407 is a selector, and the CPU 401 determines which image signal is to be output to the printer 3 according to instructions from the reader 2 or the word processor 9, and selects the reselect signal 40 by switching the select signal 409.
The image signal selected by 7 is output to the printer 3. At this time, signals such as image signals are only communicated via the selector 407, and the signals themselves do not change.

Note that the reader 2, printer 3, and word processor 9 of this embodiment include a circuit similar to that shown in FIG. 4 including a CPLI, ROM, RAM, and serial circuit, as well as an image signal communication circuit, an image signal receiving circuit, a control signal input/output circuit, etc. Although the device is equipped with a control section consisting of a controller for controlling the device, its circuit configuration is not directly related to the present invention and is a well-known technique, so a detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 5 shows the control procedure of the microcomputer (not shown) of the reader 2 or word processor 9 when a copying instruction is given by the scanning section or the keyboard (not shown). In addition, in this embodiment, serial communication for communicating various instructions and information numbers uses a one-to-one communication method in which information is returned in response to instructions, and the reader 2 or word processor 9 takes initiative in the serial communication, and the printer 3 receives instructions from the reader 2 or word processor 9, communicates various information, and performs various operations according to the instructions. Next, an example of the operation of the reader 2 or the word processor 9 will be explained according to the flowchart of FIG.

First, when a copy instruction is given in the reader 2 or word processor 9 (step 5501), the printer 3
If it is not in use, it is determined whether the copy mode is the second copy of multiple copying or the second side of double-sided copying (Step 5504), and an affirmative determination is made. If so, it is determined whether there is paper in the intermediate tray 308 (step 5505), and if there is no paper, the printer 3 performs the normal state of receiving various information (step 5503). In a normal state, the reader 2 or the word processor 9 collects various information about the printer 3 (for example, whether copying is possible, paper size, presence or absence of paper, printer usage information, etc.) through periodic serial communication. You can also select the paper feed tray (upper cassette 4, lower force set 5, paper deck 6, intermediate tray 308) and the paper output destination (outside the machine, multiplex 1 side 1 double-sided 1 side) using the operation panel or keyboard (not shown). It is possible to select the sorter 8 and to instruct the sorter 8 to be sorted.

When step 5504 is negative, step 5505
When the determination is affirmative, the process advances to step 5506, and if there is paper in the paper feed tray to be used, a paper feed tray instruction is output. Next, a copy mode instruction such as a paper output destination is given (step 5507).
), outputs a copy start instruction (step 550
B).

Next, the printer waits for input of a paper feed enable signal transmitted from the printer 3 (step 5509), and upon receiving the signal, issues a paper feed instruction (step 5510). Next, the reader 2 waits for an image signal receivable signal to be transmitted from the printer 3 (step 5511), and upon receiving the image signal receivable signal, the reader 2 reads the document 202 on the platen 201 and outputs an image signal. , the word processor 9 converts the edited text on the internal RAM (not shown) into an image signal and outputs it (step 5512).

Next, if the specified number of sheets specified by the operator through the operation unit etc. has not been completed, the process returns to Step 5509, where the process waits for reception of a paper feed enable signal, and the above-described process is repeated, and when the specified number of sheets has been completed (Step 5513). ), stop copying (
The printer 3 is instructed to stop copying (copy stop), and the control operation is ended (step 5514). Then step 55
After passing through step 03, the process returns to step 5501K and waits for a copy start instruction.

FIG. 6 shows the control procedure of the microcomputer 401 of the above-mentioned signal switching device IO. Next, an example of the operation of the signal switching device IO will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, from reader 2 or word processor 9 to signal line 1
Step 5601: Wait for some instruction (signal) via serial circuit 404 or 405.
), if there is an instruction, it is determined whether or not it is a printer status request, and if the determination is affirmative, information on whether or not the printer 3 is in use is read from the RAM 403 and transmitted (step 5603). If the instruction is other than a printer status request,
Transmit the instruction to printer 3 (step 5604)
. Next, if the instruction is a copy start instruction (step 5605), printer in-use information is set in the RAM 403.Step 5606) The selector 407 for selecting an image signal etc. is moved to the side of the device that received the copy start instruction. Switch (step 5607)
.

Further, if the above-mentioned instruction is a copy stop instruction (step 5608), the printer use information set on the RAM 403 is canceled (reset) (step 5609). Next, it waits for a response serial communication from the printer 3 (step 5610), and if there is a response, the information is sent to the reader 2 or word processor 9.
(step 5611) and returns to step S[iol, where the process waits for communication from the reader 2 or word processor 9.

FIG. 7 shows a control procedure for the microcomputer (not shown) of the printer 3 described above. Next, an example of the operation of the printer 3 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

In the normal state, the printer 3 only performs information communication to know the printer state (step 5703).
, when there is a copy start instruction (step 5701)
, a pre-rotation process is performed to operate the high voltage, motor, etc. of each part of the printer according to a predetermined sequence (step 57).
02), wait for the previous rotation to end (step 57).
04) Switch the deflection cams 315 and 316 of the duplex unit, etc. according to the copy mode instruction (step 5705)
, outputs a paper feed enable signal (step 570B).

Next, the process waits for a paper feed instruction to be input (step 570).
7) If there is no paper feed instruction and no copy stop instruction (step 5709), information is communicated (step 5718), and a paper feed instruction is waited for in step 5706.5.
Return to 707. If there is a copy stop instruction in step 5709, post-rotation processing of each part of the printer is performed (step 5710), then each part of the printer is stopped (step 5711), and the process returns to step 5701 to wait for a copy start instruction.

In step 5707 described above, if there is a paper feeding instruction,
STELAB 5708 starts feeding paper from the specified paper feed stage.
), wait for the paper to reach the registration rollers 305 (step 5712), and wait for the paper to reach the registration rollers 305 (step 5712).
When reaching this point, an image signal reception enable signal is output (step 5713).

Next, wait for an image signal to be input (step 5714).
), when the image signal is input manually, performs image formation according to the image signal (step 5715), transports the paper (step 5716), waits for the transport of the paper to be completed (step 5717), and outputs a paper feed enable signal. Return to step 5706.

In the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which the signal switching device 10 also includes the microcomputer 401 and automatically controls signal communication switching, but the signal switching device 10 is not limited to this, and can select all signal lines. It is also possible to use a configuration in which the image formation from either the reader 2 or the word processor 9 is completed, and then the operator changes the printer for the reader 2 and the word processor 9 by switching the switch. This can also be realized by switching the connection direction of No. 3, resulting in a cheaper device.

Further, in this embodiment, the reader 2 and the word processor 9 have been described as examples of the image signal output device, but it can also be implemented with a personal computer, etc., and the image signal output device can also be implemented by adding serial circuits 404 and 405. Any number of devices can be connected, and output images from any image signal output device can be synthesized. In addition, the printer 3 also performs not only one-time compositing, but also stacks the recording paper fed from the intermediate tray 308 on the intermediate tray 308 again.
Multiple images can be combined and double-sided copying is possible.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the present invention, a sheet of paper on which an image has been formed can be fed again to the image forming section to form an image that can perform multiple printing or double-sided printing. A signal switching device installed between the device and a plurality of image signal output devices that output image signals selects the image signal and transmits it to the image forming device. This provides the effect of being able to perform compositing and double-sided recording. ′

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the external appearance of an embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 3 (A
) is an internal configuration diagram showing details of the reader in the embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 (8) is an internal configuration diagram showing details of the printer right and sorter in the embodiment of the invention, and Figure 4 is a signal diagram of the embodiment of the invention. A block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the switching device, FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the control procedure of the microcomputer of the reader or word processor according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a control procedure of the microcomputer of the signal switching device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the control procedure of the microcomputer of the printer according to the embodiment of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Original feeding device, 2... Original reading device (reader), 3... Image forming device (printer), 4.5-... Paper cassette, 6... Vapor deck, 7... Paper transport unit for double-sided copying, 8...T combiner, 9...word processor, 10...signal switching device, 1i--signal line, 401...cpu. 402...ROM. 403...RAM. 4 (14-406... serial circuit, '407...
selector. [The overall structure of the room is shown in Figure 1.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1) a) a plurality of image signal output devices that output image signals, and b) a recording material on which an image has been formed once according to the image signal is temporarily stored in an internal intermediate mounting section. and an image forming device capable of conveying the recording material to an internal image forming section again to form an image on the same side or the other side of the recording material; and c) from the image signal output device. a signal switching device that selects and switches an image signal input destination of the image forming device according to an instruction signal, and is capable of forming a plurality of images on the same recording material based on image signals from different image signal output devices. Featured image processing system.